Utomi: I’m ready for DSS handcuffs — death is no big deal

Utomi

Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, says some sympathisers are offering to put together 500 lawyers to defend him against the Department of State Services (DSS).

Utomi’s comment followed the legal action initiated against him by the DSS.

SHADOW GOVERNMENT

On May 5, Utomi launched the ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government’ — a platform aimed at serving as a credible opposition to the President Bola Tinubu administration.

A shadow government is a structure established by opposition groups to act as a check on the official government, critiquing policies and providing alternative solutions.

Utomi described the initiative as a “national emergency response” to the policies of the federal government.

The shadow cabinet is composed of various professionals and public figures, including Dele Farotimi, the human rights advocate, who oversees the ombudsman and good governance portfolio.

The federal government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticised the initiative.

On May 14, the DSS filed a suit against Utomi over the initiative.

‘DEATH IS NO BIG DEAL’

In a post on his X page on Friday, Utomi said he is being galvanised by show of support from across Nigeria.

“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know,” he wrote.